Finland tightens phone use in schools, why?

(Dan Tri) - A new law in Finland from the next school year officially bans students from using cell phones during class. In addition, schools are encouraged to proactively introduce even stricter regulations.

A new regulation introduced by Finnish authorities to limit students' use of mobile phones in schools will officially take effect from August 1, just before the new school year.

Finland is a Nordic country known for its high-quality education , but the country has seen its 15-year-olds' academic performance ratings decline in recent years.

Finnish authorities are concerned about the fact that students are gradually learning poorly because they are distracted by technological devices (Illustration: Straits Times).

Specifically, according to the rankings of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the math, reading and natural science abilities of 15-year-old students in Finland are showing signs of decline.

So a new law was quickly introduced into the Basic Education Act in Finland, which was passed in April, specifically banning Finnish students aged 7 to 16 from using their phones during class.

Currently, Finnish students are only allowed to use phones and other mobile devices in class with the teacher's permission, for learning purposes or for special reasons.

Education authorities in Finland are also encouraging schools to introduce stricter rules than the basic rule. The aim is to limit students’ use of phones in school, including during lunch and breaks.

According to Finnish media, some schools in the country have already required students to keep their phones in their bags or lockers during school hours, including during breaks.

There are schools that only allow students to use their phones during breaks, if they step out into the school grounds. This is to encourage them to walk, move, and get outside.

In the latest OECD survey, up to 41% of Finnish students said that using smart electronic devices distracted them during lessons.

The enactment of the new law is seen as an effort by Finnish authorities to improve the quality of students' learning and reduce distractions caused by technological devices in the school environment.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/phan-lan-siet-chat-su-dung-dien-thoai-o-truong-hoc-vi-sao-20250802094241168.htm